GDT: Blue Jays @. Red Sox (Game 1/3)

[Boxcar]

I think you're vastly underrating just how fast Alford is. And I honestly think the more likely outcome would be no throw to second on that because of just how fast Alford is. For a game with as many ill advised base running moves as last night, you'd think you could take a risk on something like that that was much more likely to succeed.

 

So you're upset because we didn't attempt to steal home? Lol

[glory]

They still only have 2 choices, either develop these guys or start acquiring guys that get on base. I guess they can do a bit of both, develop everyone not named Randall, and stop acquiring Randalls, get guys that get on base, which is probably harder then trading for Randall.

 

Here's the issue with Grichuk. In 2018, he was fine. I don't like low OBP sluggers in general, but put 2018 Grichuk in CF everyday, and you've got a good player. The problem, aside from the stupid contract, is that the coaching staff made some sort of adjustments with him last season, which I can only assume was designed to lower the K% and increase contact, and his best attributes were completely marginalized ever since. He's not barrelling the ball as much as he used to, launch angle has declined, and while he's K'ing less, he's also a lot less productive as a hitter.

 

In other words, the coaching staff. Development. The same dudes who are letting Vlad hit GB's like he's facing prime Kevin Brown every night are not getting the best out of its players, and that's important when the roster is essentially all young players.

 

What should Shatkins do differently? Fix the coaching staff. First and foremost. Roster also needs upgrades obviously, but it seems like a clown show in the dugout with the coaches.

[BlueRocky]

8 hits and 6 walks is usually more than enough to win that game. The issue wasn't so much the offence (every starter but LGJ and Janssen was on base at least once), it was getting that offence at the optimal time. Teo batting 8th backfired, as it OBVIOUSLY would, not running McKinney w/ Alford on Third (either there's no throw and the double play is taken away, or Alford scores on the throw easily) and some truly bone headed base running was the issue. Hitting into 4 double plays didn't do the team any favours either. Also, walking 9 of their guys is just a thing that cannot happen.

 

Vladdy had a great game at the plate (we won't speak of the running or fielding), the bullpen has been a bright spot, Biggio had a GREAT game, and Teo had another 2 hit game w/ a double for good measure.

 

Of note: Teo's already got half his WAR total from last season.

 

Agreed. And it’s nice to see Alford carving out a pinch running role. His two steals last night could’ve easily tied the game if we played better.

[Deadpool]

So you're upset because we didn't attempt to steal home? Lol

 

I'm upset because we didn't attempt to steal second when it was likely a gimme, because they had to respect the fact that Alford would likely score if they threw through. I didn't expect them to throw in that situation, which would have been the right call. I mean, Alford had just stolen third so easily that he probably could have stopped half way and done 50 push-ups and still made it, so they obviously respected his speed enough there not to bother throwing.

[Stangstag]

I'm upset because we didn't attempt to steal second when it was likely a gimme, because they had to respect the fact that Alford would likely score if they threw through. I didn't expect them to throw in that situation, which would have been the right call. I mean, Alford had just stolen third so easily that he probably could have stopped half way and done 50 push-ups and still made it, so they obviously respected his speed enough there not to bother throwing.

 

Especially infuriating since the exact same scenario came up a few games ago in Washington and the GIDP was the same result.

 

Although thinking more about the game now, Montoyo was probably hesitant to potentially have another base running gaffe after the 3 others earlier in the game.

[TheDragon]

If an ump misses one call, they are terrible. Because we have a solution that is 100% accurate, and is therefore NOT terrible.

 

There's no excuse for any strike calls to be missed in 2020, it only happens because all umpires are terrible.

 

Not a bad argument to be honest...

[WILLIEUPSHAW]

This is hopefully a temporary problem due to low sample size. If it is not then it is a long term problem and that is not good.

 

If the latter what do you do about it?? Every time the development question comes up half the people say development is fine because we developed Jansen (still part of the hitting problem) and Biggio... and prospects like Groshans who played 30 games the last 2 years.

 

So we could make a change with coaching and development staff, but people don't seem to think that will make a difference.

 

They still only have 2 choices, either develop these guys or start acquiring guys that get on base. I guess they can do a bit of both, develop everyone not named Randall, and stop acquiring Randalls, get guys that get on base, which is probably harder then trading for Randall.

 

What change(s)? I would say this hitting coach is probably on pretty thin ice right now (especially with Dante Bichette already on board).